For many of us, repeat custom is as valuable as new custom. Keeping our customers coming back time and time again isn’t as simple as providing a quality and value for money service or product. Sometimes, we have to encourage repeat business pro actively!

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With the current undercutting, price matching and backstabbing culture that seems to be flooding many of our industries, our customers are drawn to competitors all too often.

So, what can you do to encourage them to purchase with you again?

Offer a voucher or coupon code after every purchase…

This will instantly give them an incentive to come back (even more so if they’re satisfied with the product or service you’ve provided). “£5 off your next order if placed before the end of the month. Spend £50 or more and receive 10% off you next order. Spend £20 or more on your next 3 visits and get your 4th visit free.”

Introduce a loyalty scheme…

Give them a reason to purchase with you long term! Loyalty schemes such as loyalty cards, points, bonus schemes and vouchers will give them a reason why they should choose you again and again!

Make your service more personal…

It’s important to make your customers feel valued. They’ve placed their hard earned money and trust in you, return the favor by adding a personal touch to your product or service. Let them know how much you value their custom with a personal email or letter. Give them a call from time to time to ensure they’re entirely happy with your product or service. Make an effort to be better!

Run Prizes & Competitions exclusively for loyal customers…

Give your loyal customers the chance to win something of significant value! A weekend away, a new bicycle, an ipad – anything that will get them talking and encouraging them to keep purchasing with you. ‘Place an order in January to be entered into the hat to win a weekend away’.

Don’t say No when you can say Yes!

Make the effort to go above and beyond your competitors to keep your customer happy. If they ring up desperately asking for next day delivery when the cut off point was 5 minutes ago (and it’s still physically possible), say YES! Go the extra mile! Your efforts will be rewarded in the long run!

Warning! Promotions for ‘new customers only’…

As a loyal customer, there’s nothing more infuriating than missing out on promotions that are for ‘new customers only’. If you do choose to run a promotion exclusively for new customers, be wise. You really don’t want to annoy and push away the loyal customers who have been with you for months, years or even decades!

To Summarise…

Making a pro active attempt to keep your customers coming back will pay off in the long term. Just because they may have shifted to a competitor doesn’t mean that they won’t be back! Have confidence in your service/product and do everything you can to encourage repeat business…